MAFALCA V - Aruba Leeward Coast

The Mafalca V, a barge scuttled back in '68, sits upright at 40 metres. This isn’t a gentle drift dive; you’ll need to be comfortable with depth and confident in your buoyancy. We love it because it's genuinely atmospheric down there. The light filters down, diffuse and blue, illuminating the skeletal structure of the wreck. What we really appreciate about the Mafalca is how the ocean has completely taken over. It's not just a steel hulk; it's a living reef. Schools of bigeye jacks swirl around the mast, and we’ve often seen green morays peeking from crevices. Exploring the open hold is a highlight, though penetration isn't really the point here. We’d suggest focusing on the exterior and the surrounding sandy bottom where we’ve spotted garden eels swaying in the mild current. Our pick for timing is morning, before the thermocline settles too low and visibility starts to get a bit hazy. It's a proper deep dive, so plan your gas carefully and enjoy the tranquility.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.216945, -69.984726
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: Oostpunt

Best Time to Dive in Aruba Leeward Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Aruba Leeward Coast occur in January, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.7°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • February: 27.7°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • March: 27.7°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • April: 27.7°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • May: 27.7°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • August: 27.7°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • September: 27.7°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • October: 27.7°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • November: 27.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • December: 27.7°C (air: 27.4°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Aruba Leeward Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to MAFALCA V

Marine Life in Aruba Leeward Coast

Home to 92 recorded species including 55 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 hard corals, 6 crabs & lobsters, 4 other, 4 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for MAFALCA V

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories